Weekend 4.19-4.21: Fun for Kids, Spring Clean-Ups & Yarnstorming

What a week it’s been. Monday was a gorgeous spring day and throngs of happy locals and tourists had taken to the streets to cheer on the Boston Marathon runners, attend the Red Sox game and just enjoy our lovely city on its favorite holiday. We all know what happened next. As we begin the healing process, I hope you can find solace in getting out this weekend to be with other community members at various events around Somerville.

Friday

Parkour for Kids: The Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave.) hosts a series of Parkour classes today for kids of all ages. The schedule is as follows: 8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m., 8- to 10-year-olds; 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 11- to 13-year-olds; and 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., 14- to 18-year-olds. The classes are $15.

Kiddie Camp:Bow Street Yoga (34 Bow St.) hosts a three-hour camp for children this morning from 9 a.m.-noon where kids can learn yoga postures, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises. There will be yoga games and time for a light snack (parents should pack something nut-free and bring water). Drop-ins are $40.

Saturday

Mystic River Earth Day Clean-Up: The Mystic River Watershed Association is asking volunteers to meet at the river across from the Christmas Tree Shop at Assembly Row on Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to help clean up the area. Groups are welcome and all supplies will be provided.

Serve the Fells for DCR Park Serve Day: Saturday is the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Park Serve Day and the Middlesex Fells is asking supporters to come to Flynn Rink (300 Elm St., Medford) to help at the reservation. Meet between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to get an assignment like trail clean-up, habitat restoration or trail maintenance. Groups are welcome and all tools needed will be provided. Participants are asked to bring water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray.

Somerville by Yarnstorm I, Teele Square: The Nave Gallery (155 Powderhouse Blvd.) hosts the first installment of Somerville by Yarnstorm, a public art project that supports the Somerville Homeless Coalition, this Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. From April to October, the Nave will give one special tree in various Somerville neighborhoods a warm and fuzzy makeover. This week’s event takes place at the Nave in Teele Square. You can see the Nave’s Yarnstorming of Perry Park from last year here.

Hold the Light Healing Celebration: This Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon, the Arts at the Armory Cafe (191 Highland Ave.) hosts a gathering for all who wish to talk, meditate, play music or sing led by Paul E.G. Lee and Jenn Pipp. Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for a jam session and donations will be accepted for those affected by Monday’s tragedy.

Growing Center Volunteer Orientation: Come by the Growing Center (22 Vinal Ave.) this Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon to learn how to get involved in the Growing Center, from gardening to hosting or staffing events.

Flea Market Drop-Off: The Nave Gallery (155 Powderhouse Blvd.) is accepting donations this Saturday from noon-2 p.m. for its flea market, which takes place next weekend. Do some spring cleaning and bring down goods to be sold to benefit the Nave Gallery’s space and programming. Donations can also be dropped off on Friday, April 26 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Nave in Teele Square.

Taekwon-do Open House: The Jae H. Kim Taekwon-do Institute (2000 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge) is hosting an open house this Saturday from noon-2 p.m. to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the neighborhood. There will be Taekwon-do demonstrations, games and activities and information about the history and philosophy of the Korean martial art. The free event will also include refreshments.

Sunday

Spring Cleanse: This season is a time of rebirth and Bow Street Yoga is tapping into that with a week-long spring cleanse that kicks off this Sunday at the studio from noon-3 p.m. The seven-day whole foods cleanse includes two group meetings (the second one is Saturday, April 27 from noon-3 p.m. at the studio) and unlimited yoga for the week. The cleanse costs $160 and participants will receive daily emails with recipes and helpful suggestions.

Combat Robots: This is the finale of a week-long Combat Robots design challenge put on by Artisan’s Asylum and MathWorks as part of the Cambridge Science Festival. The Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave.) hosts the teams this Sunday as they compete in a double-elimination tournament. Come by from 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. to see the robots in action. Admission is free.

P.S. Looking for the best brunch spot in Somerville? I recently asked Beat readers for their picks and this is what they said. What’s your go-to restaurant for weekend morning eats?

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After chronicling Somerville from a local perspective for three years, Founder Elyse Andrews has embarked on a new chapter of her career. Here you'll find her 600-plus stories about Somerville as well as some updates about ongoing projects.